In a unanimous vote, Dunnellon city officials hired William Ary as the city’s community development manager.
Mayor Walter Green, Vice Mayor Tim Inskeep along with council members Valerie Hanchar and Rex Lehmann all voted yes at the council meeting held May 14.
Bringing Ary into the fold was supported by council members at their May 5 workshop meeting.
Ary has been Yankeetown town manager since February 2022. He has submitted his two-week notice, city officials said.
According to city officials, Rick Dunn is also coming on board, but only in a temporary position. Two people assisting the city in that department are expected to leave before the end of the month.
The vacancies will leave a gap and Dunn could fill the slot until Ary is familiar with the city and its workings, city officials said.
Important position
Dunn’s position will be for 90 days, officials said. The position has been without a permanent head for more than a year.
City officials said the job is vital for the community that requires a full-time management to deal with several pressing issues. They include vacation rental registration, comprehensive plan update, map amendments, development applications and development inquiries.
When it was advertised, the salary range was $54,080-$77,701, which is consistent with other department head positions. City officials recommend a starting salary of $75,000.
Officials said there’s enough money in the budget to cover both salaries.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Dunnellon hires community development manager
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
